Ladle flow control device



Jan. 19, 1960 W. W. MOMM LADLE FLOW CONTROL DEVICE 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed NOV. 1, 1956 INVEN TOR. Warmer Wflomm,

Jan. 19, 1960 w. w. MOMM 2,921,351

LADLE FLOW CONTROL DEVICE Filed Nov. 1, 1956 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 IN VEN TOR.

We/"rzer Wf'fomi United States Patent i 2,921,351 LADLE FLOW CONTROL nn vrcn Werner Wilhelm Momm, Chicago, Ill.

Application November 1, 1956, Serial No. 619,739 i 7 Claims. (Cl. 2284) f The present invention relates generally to a flow control device adapted for attachment to the outer surface of a ladle of the type used in foundries for the purpose of transporting molten metal from a furnace to molds or other fabricating apparatus. More specifically, the present invention is directed to an. improved form of stopper arrangement incorporated in a molten 'metal flow control device adapted for use with existing types of ladles, the stopper arrangement being designed forextended reuse as compared with known types of stopper arrangements now in use.

In the handling of molten metal the-main problem confronting the foundry industry resides in providing metal handling equipment which is capable of withstanding the destructive effects of the molten metal due primarily to the high temperature of the same as well as its weight. In conformance with well established practicesfmolten metal is removed from a melting or treating lurnace in ladles and transferred by movement of these ladles to metal treating or product forming, apparatus which takes the metal in its molten condition and subjects the same to product forming treatment The temperature of the metal as well as the over all weight of a batch of the same tends to destroy molten metal handling equipment Within a relatively shorttime. The molten metal is generally handled byequipment, such as a ladle, which is lined with refractory materials best capable of withstanding the high temperatures of the metal. Even the best known types of refractory materials are incapable of withstanding the destructive action of molten metal for a period of time sufficient to allow substantial reuse of the lining.) This is particularly true in connection with the stopper"dev'ices' forming a part of the ladles and functioning to retainthe molten metal in the ladles during movement of the same and subsequently allowing pouring of the molten metal.

from the ladles through a suitable nozzle or opening forming a part thereof.

The pouring of molten metal from a ladle may be accomplished in different Ways. One well known manner of pouring incorporates the use of a ladle. provided with a pouring lip along a portion of the top surface thereof which controls the direction of flow of molten metal from the ladle when the same is tilted about a pivot point. In the interest of safety and control the lip pouring ladle is generally considered unsatisfactory and efforts have been directed toward the provision of ladles provided with stopper arrangements .capable of retaining the molten metal in the ladle during movement of the same and operative to allow pouring of the molten metal from an opening in the bottom of the ladle bywithdrawal of a stopper element forming a part of the stopper arrangement. Many different stopper devices have been developed and among those considered sufficiently effective for use is that which requires the use of a complicated stopper arrangement, a majority of the operative parts of which are carried inside the ladle and in continuous destructive contact with the molten metal during moveladle flow control device of the present invention opera- I 2,921,351 Patented Jan. 19, 1 960 ment of a loaded ladle. A stopper device of this nature may generally be used just once and the substantially destroyed elements replaced with each subsequent use of the ladle. Consequently, while such stopper devices are desirable from the standpoint of safety requirements, they nevertheless are expensive from the standpoints of maintenance as well as initial cost due to their rather readily destructive nature and their complicated design.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved form of ladle flow control device which is a self-contained unit readily adapted for quick and easy attachment of different types of ladles, the device including a new and improved form of stopper'arrangement which is capable of reuse while providing molten metal flow control regulation well within the most stringent safety requirements.

A further object is to provide a self-contained ladle flow control unit of uncomplicated design readily attachable to an outer surface of a ladle in association with a ladle pouring outlet, the unit including cooperating flow control elements formed from refractory material provided with engageable surfaces for the restriction of molten metal flow, the surfaces providing a substantial area of contact about a nozzle orifice through which the molten metal is intended to flow from the ladle to provide for reuse of the unit even following the destruction of certain portions of the elements which are directly contacted by the molten metal.

Another object is to provide a ladle stopper assembly for attachment to the outer surface of a molten metal handling ladle, the assembly being in the form of a self: contained unit including a housing in which is received a vertically directed refractory nozzle member adapted for. register with an outlet opening of a ladle, the bottom surface of the nozzle member being inclined for engagement with a cooperatively inclined. surface of a refractory stopper block movable into and out of engagement with, the nozzle member along an axis at substantially right angles to the center axis of the nozzle member, the bot tom of the housing having an opening in register with the nozzle member for the passage of molten metal therethrough during the pouring operation, the surface contact, area of the nozzle member and stopper block being of sufficient dimensions surrounding the'orifice of the nozzle member to allow reuse of the nozzle member and stopper block even though initial use of the sameis accompanied by substantial destruction of the refractory material in contact'with the molten metal.

Still a further object is to provide a ladle stopper asw sembly of the type above described wherein the stopper 'block is removably carried by a mounting memberdur: ing its movement into and out of engagement with the nozzle member, the mounting member being movable into a position within the housing whereby the stopper block may be readily replaced without the necessity of replacing the entire assembly, the stopper block mount-j ing member being further pivotally mounted to a means moving the same to provide for self-seating action of the stopper block when moved nozzle member. a

Other objects not specifically set forth will become apparent from the following deailed descriptionmade in conjunction with the drawings wherein:

Fig. 1 is a fragmentary vertical section of a botto corner portion of a ladle with the new and improved tively attached thereto; e

a Fig. 2 is a top plan view in partial section of the ladle flow control device of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is an enlarged side elevation of one form of stopper block;

into engagement with the when H Fig. 4 is a front elevation of the stopper block of Fig. 3;

Fig. 5 is an enlarged side elevation of the stopper block mounting member;

' Fig. 6is a front elevation of the stopper block mountingmemb'er;

Fig. 7'is a fragmentary sectional view taken generally along line 7-7 of Fig. l; Fig. 8' is a fragmentary sectional view of a portion of the ladlefiow control device of the present invention illustrating the use of a modified form of stopper block; Fig. 9 is a front elevation of the modified form of stopper block of Fig. 8; and

'Fig. 10 is a fragmentary sectional view taken generally along line 10-10 ofFig. 8.

The ladle flow control device of the present invention generally includes a housing readily adapted for easy attachment to the outer surface of a molten metal handling ladle. The housing is provided with a refractory lined portion carrying a vertically directed refractory nozzle which at its upper surface is registered with the ladle pouring outlet. The lower surface of the nozzle is angularly inclined for engagement with a refractory stopper block carried within the housing and movable in-' to 'and out of the refractory lined portion of the housing al'ong'an axis which is at substantially right angles to the vertical axis of the nozzle. The bottom wall of the housing is' provided with an opening in register with the bottom'surfa'ce of the nozzle when the block is moved out of engagement withthe nozzle. The housing further carries block moving-elements which include a block mounting member fixing the block from longitudinal displacement while allowing transverse displace.

ment of the block through a side of the housing for.

block replacement purposes. The block mounting memher is pivotally attached to an end of a r od' which reciprocates within the housing and which is spring urged to bias the block into engagement with the nozzle. The housing further carries a hydraulieoperated cylinder which functions to move the block, block mounting member and rod against the biasing action of the spring to open the flow control device and allow molten metal to flow from the ladle down through the nozzle and through the opening in the bottom of the housing.

In Fig. l a lower bottom corner portion of a known type of ladle is illustrated as formed from an outer' of the present invention. The device 21 includes a. housing formed from metallic elements divided into a refractory lined portion 22 and a stopper block actuating portion 23. The refractory lined portion 22, as.

shown in' Figs. 1 and 2, is formed from a top ring-like plate 24 provided with circumferentially spaced .apertures'25 through which connecting studs 26 carried by the shell 16 extend. Keys 27 fixedly attach .the.t0p

ring 24and associated housing members to the. shell 16. The outer side wall of the refractory lined portion 22 is defined by a semi-circular plate 28 which is suitably fastened as by welding at the top edge thereof to the bottom surface of the top ring 24. As shown in Fig. '2

the side plate 28 is non-continuous in a circumferential sense and is provided with a vertically directed opening 29 defined by reversely directed side guide plates 30 suitably attached thereto to provide an area through which a stopper block 31 is moved. The bottom edge,

of the side wall 28 is suitably attached as by welding to the top surface of a ring plate 32 which completes the housing of the refractory lined portion 22.

"Within the refractory lined portion 22 ofthe hgnsin g 21 a series of refractory brick elements 33 serve as a heat resistant lining. The refractory lining formed from the brick elements 33 may be in the shape of a single continuous U-shaped brick element if desired, but for replacement purposes brick segments of arcuate shape as illustrated in Fig. 2 are preferred. The brick segments 33 are provided with inwardly directed flange portions 34 along the bottom edges thereof which support a nozzle 35 of refractory material. As shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 7 the nozzle 35 is cylindrical, vertically directed and provided with a central orifice 36 which is aligned with the orifice 20 of the nozzle 19 of the ladle 15. The top surface'37 of the nozzle 35 is in flush engagement. with the bottom surface of the nozzle 19 and molten metal contained within the ladle 15 is free to flow downwardly through the combined orifices 20 and 36.

The bottom surface 38 of the nozzle 35 is inclined as il lustrated in Figs. 1 and 7 at an angle relative to the horizontal of approximately 54. The inclination of the surface 38 is designed to provide flush or mating engagement of substantial surface area'with a comple nie'nta'rily inclined surface 39 of a block-like body portion 4Q forming the stopper block 31. Upon move ment of the stopper block 31 out of engagement with the nozzle 35, the molten metal containedwithin the ladle 15 is free to flow downwardly through the combined orifices 20 and 36, through the central portion of the bottom ring member 32 which defines an opening 41, and down through a registered opening 42 defined by a. second ring member 43. The ring member 32 carries downwardly directed studs 44 which are keyed to the bottom ring member43 by key elements 45. A ring of insulating material 46 is carried intermediate the [ring members 32 and 43 for heat protective purposes. The molten metal flows through the combined openings 41 and 42 into a suitable receiverin line with established foundry practices.

' As more specifically shown in Figs. 3 and 4, the stop per block31 is provided with a transverse groove 47- extending across the back face thereof. The bottom.

surface: of the block. 31 is also provided with a trans;

SQIisbeyeled to reducethenumber of sharp edges whieh might possibly break off or interfere with smooth functio'n g 'of the stopperassembly, The rear portionpf th top surface of ,the blqck ,31',is' P10$iided with a raised upper'innermost edge of the plate 52 aids in supporting the cylindrical nozzle 35 and the raised transverse land 51 prevents leakage ,of molten metal through the opening 29, in'jthe refractory lined portion 22 when the stop per block 31 is initially moved into or out of How controlling engagement with the nozzle 35.

The]: stopper block 31 is removably carried by a block tioi1157 ofia piston rod 53 shown in Figs. 1 and 2. The,

cars are provided with aligned holes 59 which receive therethroughfa .pin 60pivotally interconnecting the block mountiug 'meniber53 with the piston rod 58. The top. edge portion of the rear wall54 is provided with a for-' wardly. directed transverse flange 61 adapted to be received within. the groove 47 along the rear wall of the stopperblo'cklfl The bottom. wall is provided with; annpwndiy directeditransverseflange 62 adapted to be, received .withinjhe groove 48 of the stopper ,blocki31., lnj tl is manner. the stopper. block 31 may be groove 48. The forward edges of the bodyfitl are provided with tapers 43 and the rear bottom edge e'rse land'51 which, as showr in Fig. 1, is carried in close association with. a.plate 52 suitably attached to the bottom surface of: the top ring member 24.. The

. moved in a transverse direction into mounted relation with the block mounting member 53. The cooperating flanges and grooves prevent longitudinaldisplacement of the block 3 1 relative to the block mounting member 53 while allowing transverse displacement of the same. for a purpose to be described.

Referring again to Figs. 1 and 2, the block actuating housing portion 23 is formed from a top plate 63 and a bottom plate 64. The sides of the housing portion 23 are open for block replacement purposes. The bottom wall 64 supports thereon a hydraulically or pneumatically operated cylinder 65 having received therein the remaining end of the piston rod 58. The front face of the cylinder 65 carries a spring mounting ring 66 which defines a seat for an end of a coil spring 67 carried within a spring housing 68 having the outermost end thereof closed off by a centrally apertured plug 69 which functions to provide the outermost seat for the spring 67 While being fixedly attached to the piston rod 58 so as to impart to the same the biasing action of the spring 67. Thus the spring 67 functions to continuously bias the piston 58, block mounting member 53 and stopper block 31 into closing engagement with the nozzle 35 to prevent flow of molten metal from the ladle 15. The cylinder 65 is provided with a fluid pressure inlet 70 through which actuating pressure is passed to the conventional elements of the cylinder 65 to retract the piston rod 58 against the biasing action of the spring 67. Upon actuation of the cylinder 65, the plug 69 moves with the piston rod 58 to the right as viewed in Fig. l and compresses the spring 67 within the housing 68. With retraction of the piston rod 58 the block mounting member 53 and associated block 31 move out of flow restricting relation with the nozzle 35 and the molten metal carried by the ladle 15 is allowed to flow through the cooperating orifices 20 and 36 and through the openings 41 and 42 into any suitable receptacle. Once the fluid pressure is reduced in the cylinder 65, the biasing action of the spring 67 reasserts itself sufficiently to move the piston rod 58, block mounting member 53 and associated block 31 back into flow restricting engagement with the nozzle 35.

The broken line 71 in Fig. 1 illustrates the positioning of the block mounting member 53 when the cylinder 65 is operated to move the stopper block 31 out of flow restricting engagement with the nozzle 35. The bottom surface of the block mounting member 53 slides along a wear plate 72 carried by the top surface of the ring member 32. The broken line 73 illustrates the posi tioning of the block mounting member 53 when it is desired to replace the stopper block 31. Sufficient hydraulic pressure is supplied to the cylinder 65 to retract the piston rod 58 to an extent that the block mounting member 53 and associated stopper block 31 are brought back to the position designated by the broken line 73. At this position the stopper block 3 1 is accessible through the open sides of the block actuating portion 23 of the housing 21. The stopper block 31 may be readily removed from the block mounting member 53 by application of a transversely directed force causing the block 31 to slide off to one side of the block mounting member 53 out of engagement with the flanges 61 and 62. A new stopper block 31 may be readily mounted on the block mounting member 53 and the assembled elements returned to their original operative position. Thus block replacement is readily and easily attained without resorting to time consuming maintenance practices.

As particularly shown in Figs. 4 and 7, the engaging surfaces 39 and 38 of the stopper block 31 and the nozzle 35 are provided with substantial contact area. Line contact along this substantial area provides for longer life functioning of the ladle flow control device of the present invention. As an example of this, in a typical installation the nozzle orifice 36 will be approxi-' mately two inches in diameter and the outside diameter of the nozzle face 38 should preferably be six inches or more. The block face 39 will be of sufiicient width and height to at least substantially cover the nozzle face 38 and, consequently, surface contact will occur over an area substantially more than three times the area of the orifice 36. This feature along with others to be subsequently described provides the block 31 and nozzle 35 with a longer operative life as the destructive effect of the molten metal on the refractory material of these elements is insufiicient to prevent substantial reuse of the same as long as adequate flow restricting surface con tact is maintained.

As an example of the destructive action of the molten metal on the refractory material of the nozzle 35 and block 31, reference is made to Fig. 1 wherein the brokenv necessity of replacing either the nozzle 35 of the block 31. The useful life of a nozzle 35 and block 31 has been found to be at least three times that of the stopper elements and nozzles used in known types of flow con trol dev-iceswhich require the mounting of the nozzles and stoppers within the body of molten metal carried inside the ladle.

Upon continued use of the assembly of the present invention the stopper block 31 will be more susceptible to deterioration than the nozzle 35. may be readily replaced as previously described without replacement of any additional elements forming the device 21. [In the event that the nozzle 35 must be replaced it is necessary merely to detach the assembly 21 and replace the nozzle 35 through the top opening therein.

The use of the inclined cooperating or mating surfaces 38 and 39 contributes substantially to long life use of the stopperassembly 21 of the present invention. The

angle of inclination of the cooperating faces 38 and 39.

may vary considerably relative to the horizontal as long as the angle is maintained substantially greater than 0 and substantially less than 90. Preferably the angle of inclination is approximately 54 measured from the hori-' zontal axis along which the stopper block 31 moves. By pivotally mounting the block mounting member 53 and associated block 31 relative to the piston rod 58, a selfseating action occurs whereby the block 31 will locate itself relative to the surface 38 of the nozzle 35 to provide the best possible sealing action when the block is advanced into closing position. The pivotal interconnection is of particular importance where the molten'metalhas caused a substantially advanced degree of destruction to the engaging faces 38 and 39.

Referring to Figs. 8-10, a modified form of cooperating stopper block 76 and nozzle 77 is illustrated. In'every respect the remaining elements of the ladle flow control device 21 are the same as previously described and, therefore, like reference numerals are used. The stopper block 76 is provided with an inclined front face 78 having a sphere-like protrusion 79 extending forwardly therefrom. In all other respects the stopper block 76 is constructed in the same manner as described in connection with the stopper block 31. The nozzle 77 is provided with an inclined bottom face 80 being provided with a spherelike recess portion 81 immediately surrounding the orifice 82 thereof. The spherical surface of the protrusion 79 mates in the spherical recess portion 81 to provide a surface contact of substantial area. Thus the requisite However, the block' slightly different manner. Destructivewearing action of thernolten metal onthe refractory material of the block 67-and nozzle 77. will further recess the portion81 and reduce theoutendimensions of the spherical protuberance However, the wearing action being generally uniform, the surfaces will continue to mate in sealing engagement with the exception that the block 76 will move a greater'distance toward the nozzle 77 in order to compen sate for destructive wear of the recess portion 81. In further utilizing the self-compensating advantages of the block 76, the. same may be substituted for the block 31 when a sufficient degree of destructive wear as indicated bythe brokenline 74 in Fig. 1 has occurred to the nozzle 35. The sphere-like protuberance 79 is well adapted for compensating for this type of wear and the block 76 will advance into surface engagement with the nozzle 35 to an extent that adequate surface contact is attained to prevent flow of molten metal from the ladle From the foregoing description it should be apparent that the ladle flow control device of the present invention is uncomplicated in design and adapted for highly efiicient functioning in association with any known type of ladle. The device can be applied to the nozzle plate portion of existing ladles without major modification to their construction. The contact surface arrangement existing between the stopper block and nozzle is based on the tapered key principle which provides positive sealing action independent of surface wear. The operation of the flowtcontrol device while being described in connection with the use of a hydraulically or pneumatically actuated cylinder may be manual depending upon the extent of movement of the molten metal filled ladle. By the provision of the biasing spring in maintaining the flow control device in closed condition, a hydraulic line attached to the cylinder may be disconnected for ladle moving purposes. It should be apparent, however, that any suitable manually operated linkage may be provided to move the stopper block and associated elements against the biasing action of the spring. The double bottom plates 32 and 43 with insulation 46 therebetween provide aheat shield to protect the unit during the transference of molten metal from the ladle 15 into a suitable receptacle or apparatus.

Obviously many modifications and variations of the invention as hereinbefore set forth may be made without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, and therefore only such limitations should be imposed as are indicated in the appended claims.

I claim:

1 l. A ladle stopper assembly for attachment to the outer surface of a molten metal handling ladle, said assembly including a housing having a refractory lined portion provided with a vertically directed refractory nozzle the upper surface of which is adapted for register with a ladle outlet, the lower surface of said nozzle being angularly inclined for engagement with a refractory stopper block within said housing and movable into and out of said refractory lined portion along an axis which is at substantially-right angles to the vertical axis of said nozzle, the bottom wall of said housing being provided with an opening in register with the bottom surface of said nozzle when said block is moved out of engagement with said nozzle, and means for moving said block within said housing, said means including a block mounting member of bracket-like shape having transverse ridges received in transverse grooves in said block preventing longitudinal displacement of said block while, allowing: transverse displacement of the same through a side of said housing.

2. A ladle stopper assembly for attachment to the outer surface of a molten metal handling ladle, said assemhlyincluding a housinghaving a refractory lined portiongpriovided with a vertically directed refractory nozzlev the uppersurface of w-hich adaptedv for register with, a ladle outlet, the lower surface of said nozzle being angularly inclined for engagement with a refractory stop? per block within said housing and movable into and out of said. refractory lined portion along an axis-which is at.

substantially right angles to the vertical axis of said nozzle, the bottom wall of said housing being provided with an opening in register with the bottom surface of said nozzle when said block is moved out of engagement with said nozzle, and means for moving said block within said housing, said means including a block mounting member of bracket-like shape having transverse ridges received in transverse grooves in said block preventing longitudinal displacement of said block while allowing transverse displacement of the same through a,

side of said housing, a rod pivotally attached at one end thereof to the rear face of said block mounting member, resilient means associated with said rod and biasing said block into engagement with said nozzle, and block retraction means associated with the other end of said rod to retract the same and said block against the action of said resilient means.

3. A ladle stopper assembly for attachment to the outer surface of a molten metal handling ladle, said assembly including a housing having a refractory lined portion provided with a vertically directed refractory nozzle the upper surface of which is adapted for register'with a ladle outlet, the lower surface of said nozzle being angularly inclined for engagement with a refractory stopper block within said housing and movable into and out of said refractory lined portion along an axis which is at substantially right angles to the vertical axis of said nozzle, the engaging surfaces of said nozzle and block providing substantial surface area contact about the orifice of said nozzle, the line of contact defined thereby being related to the horizontal at approximately 54, the bottom wall of said housing being provided-with an opening in register with the bottom surface of said nozzle when said block is moved out of engagement with said nozzle, and means for moving said block within said housing, said means including a block mounting member of bracket-like shape having transverse ridges received in transverse grooves in said block preventing longitudinal displacement of said block while allowing transverse displacement of the same through a side of said housing, a rod pivotally attached at one end thereof to the rear face of said block mounting member, resilient means associated with said rod and iasing said block into engagement with said nozzle, and block retraction means associated with the other end of said rod to retract the same and said block against the action of said resilient means.

4. A ladle stopper assembly for attachment to the outer surface of a molten metal handling ladle, said assembly including a housing having a refractory lined portion provided with a vertically directed refractory nozzle the upper surface of which is adapted for register with a ladle outlet, the lower surface of said nozzle being angularly inclined for mating engagement with a refractory stopper block within said housing and movable into and out of said refractory lined portion along an axis which is at substantially right angles to the vertical axis of said nozzle, the engaging surfaces of said nozzle and block providing substantial surface area contact in mating relation about the orifice of said nozzle, the nozzle engaging surface of said block being in the form of a spherelike protuberance which mates with a cooperating spherelike recess portion surrounding the orifice of said nozzle and defining the engaging surface thereof, the bottom wall of said housing being provided with an opening in register with the bottom surface of said nozzle when said block is moved out of engagement with said nozzle, and means for moving said block within said housing, said means including ablock mounting member of bracketlike shape having transverseridges received in transverse grooves in said block preventing longitudinal displacement of said block while allowing transverse displacement of the same to a side of said housing, a rod pivotally attached at one end thereof to the rear face of said block mounting member, resilient means associated with said rod and biasing said block into engagement with said nozzle, and block retraction means associated with the other end of said rod to retract the same and said block against the action of said resilient means.

5. A ladle stopper assembly for attachment to the outer surface of a molten metal handling ladle, said assembly including a housing provided with a vertically directed refractory nozzle the upper surface of which is adapted for register with a ladle outlet, the lower surface of said nozzle being angularly inclined for engagement with a refractory stopper block within said housing and movable into and out of engagement with the lower surface of said nozzle along an axis which is at substantially right angles to the vertical axis of said nozzle, said housing being open along the bottom thereof for molten metal flow therethrough when said block is moved out of engagement with said nozzle, and means for moving said block within said housing, said block being supported on a block mounting member which member has means forming a part thereof and engaging said block to prevent longitudinal displacement of said block from said block mounting member during operative movement of said block while allowing transverse displacement of said block from said block mounting member through a side of said housing.

6. A ladle stop-per assembly for attachment to the outer surface of a molten metal handling ladle, said assembly including a housing having a refractory lined portion provided with a vertically directed refractory nozzle the upper surface of which is adapted for register with a ladle outlet, the lower surface of said nozzle being angularly inclined for engagement with a refractory stopper block within said housing and movable into and out of said refractory lined portion along an axis which is at substantially right angles to the vertical axis of said nozzle, the bottom wall of said housing being provided with an opening in register with the bottom surface of said nozzle for molten metal flow therethrough when said block is moved out of engagement with said nozzle, and means for moving said block within said housing, said block being supported on a block mounting member which member has means forming a part thereof and engaging said block to prevent longitudinal displacement of said block from said block mounting member during operative movement of said block while allowing a transverse displacement of said block from said block mounting member through a side of said housing.

7. A ladle stopper assembly for attachment to the outer surface of a molten metal handling ladle, said assembly including a housing provided with a vertically directed refractory nozzle the upper surface of which is adapted for register with a ladle outlet, the lower surface of said nozzle being angularly inclined for engagement with a refractory stopper block within said housing and movable into and out of engagement with the lower surface of said nozzle along an axis which is at substantially right angles to the vertical axis of said nozzle, said housing being open along the bottom thereof for molten metal flow therethrough when said block is moved out of engagement with said nozzle, and means for moving said block within said housing, said means including a block mounting member of bracket-like shape having transverse ridges received in transverse grooves in said block preventing longitudinal displacement of said block while allowing transverse displacement of the same through a side of said housing.

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